Neutronsugárzás

Neutronsugárzás is the Hungarian term for neutron radiation. Neutron radiation consists of free neutrons, which are subatomic particles that carry no electric charge. Because they are uncharged, neutrons can penetrate materials more deeply than charged particles like alpha or beta particles. Neutrons interact with atomic nuclei through nuclear reactions, often causing the nucleus to become unstable and emit other forms of radiation, such as gamma rays, or transform into a different isotope. This process is known as neutron activation.

The primary sources of neutron radiation include nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and certain radioactive isotopes like Californium-252. Naturally occurring neutron radiation is present in the environment, but at very low levels. Neutron radiation can be a significant health hazard. When neutrons interact with biological tissues, they can cause ionization and damage to DNA, leading to an increased risk of cancer and other radiation-induced health effects. Due to their penetrating power, neutrons require specific shielding materials such as hydrogen-rich substances (like water or polyethylene) or neutron absorbers (like boron or cadmium) to effectively attenuate them. Neutron radiation has applications in various fields, including nuclear medicine for imaging and therapy, materials science for analysis, and industrial radiography.